Rock Racing rumors

Rock Racing still has "Here to Stay" on their website, but rumors are floating around that Rock Racing is no more.

Earlier rumors from "reliable sources" indicated Rock Racing planned to disband and layoff all staff and team members this week. Others indicated that there were "some" layoffs at Rock Racing and from Rock and Republic, but the team would remain, but more recent rumors that I'm more than happy to pass along say the team is gone. Film at 11.

I still believe they will continue to race next year, especially after their success in championship races this past season. Sure they will have to scale it way back as necessary, but I don't yet believe the rumors that they will shut down entirely.

If the rumors are true though, I will be sad to see them go. Personally, I have grown to like the team and I think the promotional flair of Michael Ball and company, though controversial, has generally been good for road racing in the US. Also, Tyler's win at the US Pro race in August was one of the most exciting races I have ever watched, so I would love to see him defend the stars and stripes jersey in a Rock Racing kit next year.

Rock Racing and Michael Ball brings a certain interest and some personality to the sport that I think is kind of fun. Their defiant "HERE TO STAY" says it all, though unfortunately the economy is bigger than anybody's personality.

Their policies regarding doping and in-house punishment are ridiculous and I really don't think they would be missed. Saying that I don't think I can name more than 3 other domestic US teams - perhaps they could learn a few things.

The simple fact is that Rock Racing provides work for pros and support staff, as well as sponsorship for races such as the US National Pro Champs, the Harlem Skyscraper, Philly Week, Tour of California and Tour of Missouri.

They are controversial, that is certain, but do provide excitement to our dull little domestic pro cycling world, a world in desperate need of some "pop". The glee surrounding their rumored demise strikes me as sad and smug. Bike riders with no work and races, already struggling, with less sponsorship seems preferable to some of you. Many big pro teams hide behind a veil of breathtaking hypocrisy - Ball, like him and his actions or not, calls it as it is. I find him refreshing, if maddening on occasion. At the end of the day, cycling is show business, and has been for over 100 years. We finally get a showman in the sport, and the sport can hardly wait to get rid of him. Dull, dull, dull little cycling.